Belagavi: Former Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar on Monday demanded the formation of a separate cricket association for North Karnataka to promote talented players from the region.

Raising the issue during the debate on regional imbalance in the state legislative assembly here, Shettar said there is a need for creation of a separate cricket association in addition to the existing Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

The new cricketing body will help promote talented cricketers of northern parts of Karnataka, who are not being given due importance and exposure, Shettar said.

"There are many talented cricketers here in northern parts of Karnataka, and forming a new cricket body will help promote talented cricketers from this region," Shettar added.

"The cricket boys in the region have been unable to show their talent as less opportunities came their way."